EVMcompatible

EVM-compatible describes blockchain platforms capable of running code that was compiled for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This enables developers to deploy and execute Ethereum smart contracts on non-Ethereum networks with little or no source-code modification, promoting cross-chain interoperability and asset portability.

Most EVM-compatible networks provide an EVM execution engine, support Solidity and Vyper, and offer Ethereum-style developer tooling such as the Solidity compiler, Remix, Hardhat, and Truffle. They typically expose similar JSON-RPC APIs, employ an account-based model with nonces, and implement gas mechanisms and precompiled contracts where applicable.

Compatibility is achieved by implementing an EVM bytecode interpreter or by integrating an engine that is functionally equivalent to Ethereum’s. Some chains mirror Ethereum’s rules closely, while others adjust gas schedules, consensus details, or finality. In practice, contract logic tends to port smoothly, but edge cases and network-specific behavior may differ.

Benefits include easier porting of existing contracts, reuse of established tooling and libraries, faster onboarding for developers, and enhanced cross-chain liquidity and application ecosystems.

Examples of EVM-compatible networks include Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain), Polygon, Avalanche's C-Chain, Fantom, and various Layer 2s such as Arbitrum and Optimism, as well as other sidechains seeking Ethereum compatibility.

Limitations: while contracts may port easily, differences in block times, finality, and gas costs can affect behavior. Security is tied to the chain’s overall design, and cross-chain operations introduce bridge risks and additional complexity.